Mechanically adaptable projectile and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A mechanically adaptable projectile includes, in one example embodiment, a projectile body, the body including structure adapted to secure thereto one of multiple projectile components, and multiple projectile components each sized to be releasably secured to the projectile body, each of the multiple projectile components structurally dissimilar from all others of the multiple projectile components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Projectiles, such as bullets and missiles, may be fired from a varietyof delivery devices such as hand guns, rifles, rocket launchers, devicesthat do not utilize a tubular launch mechanism, and the like. Eachprojectile will have penetration, fracturing and other characteristicsparticular to that type and make of projectile. An end user may purchasea projectile based on the penetration, fracturing and othercharacteristics of the projectiles available for sale. However, the enduser is not able to customize projectiles to achieve particularcharacteristics as may be desired. There is a need, therefore, for aprojectile that may be mechanically adapted by an end user so as toachieve desired penetration, fracturing or other characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Mechanically Adaptable Projectile of the present invention can bepropelled from a cartridge, shell, or vessel by various means, toinclude but not limited to, explosion, air, spring, magnetic energy,vacuum, or gravity for the purpose of using the projectile for impactingobjects in applications similar to, but not limited to, hunting, lawenforcement use of force and tactics, target practice, self defense,firearms training and recreational shooting. The projectile willgenerally be created in the form and shape of a bullet, missile, orballistic projectile of many different dimensions to be used in firearmsand launching devices of a variety of styles to include, but not limitedto, rifled and smooth bore firearms, rail guns, tubes, and devices usedfor launching or firing projectiles. Using a series of Core ProjectileModules, the manufacturer can customize the projectiles by adding oromitting Interchangeable Components that will alter the size, mass,shape, internal ballistics, external ballistics, terminal ballistics,and mechanical characteristics of the projectile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exterior schematic view of a prior art projectile.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a mechanicallyadaptable projectile.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a mechanicallyadaptable projectile.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of amechanically adaptable projectile.

FIG. 11 shows an exterior side view of an embodiment of a mechanicallyadaptable projectile.

FIG. 12 shows a cross sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 13-15 show another embodiment of a mechanically adaptableprojectile.

FIGS. 16-17 show another embodiment of a mechanically adaptableprojectile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Definitions as used in this description include: Mechanics(Mechanically, Mechanical)—deals with the action of forces on the bodiesand with motion, comprised of kinetics, statics, and dynamics; ReactiveQualities—How the projectile reacts when striking a target medium;Mechanical Characteristics—The relationship of the reactive qualitiesand mechanics; and, Mechanical Design—Visible characteristics of thecomponent.

The present invention is novel in the ammunition and gun relatedindustry by introducing manufacturer and end user adaptability andcustomization to a range of projectiles that may be used in modernrifles, pistols, guns and other projectile launching devices.

A first embodiment includes a Core Projectile Module of variedmechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with a specificgravity no less than that of water and no more than 270 percent greaterthan that of water; tensile strength properties no less than 6,000pounds per square inch; compressive strength properties no less than6,000 pounds per square inch; and a coefficient of friction of no morethan 0.5. The Core Projectile Module is capable of being fitted withInterchangeable Components (See FIGS. 2-10, as will be discussed indetail below), or of being used as a projectile in many of its basicunaltered forms. The design of the Core Projectile Module may includevarying mechanical designs to facilitate a range of mechanicallyadaptable options depending on the intended use of the projectile. Inone embodiment, the Interchangeable Component may be added or omitted toalter the rate of fracturing. The Core Projectile Module has its ownmechanical qualities that may be altered by the InterchangeableComponent. Altering the rate of fracture will predictably alter thedepth of penetration and propagation of pressure waves upon impact witha given medium, thereby maximizing the intensity of ballistic pressurewaves relative to a specified animal target; causing remote cerebraleffects as well as remote effects on the spine and internal organs of ananimal. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “hydrostatic shock.”The present invention is specifically designed to embody chosenqualities and characteristics to efficiently deliver a hydraulicreaction and explosive effects on tissue and organs. The InterchangeableComponents enable the manufacturer or the end user to customize theround to perform differently according to varying distances, varyingweights and varying hide thickness of different animals.

A second embodiment includes a Core Projectile Module of variedmechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with a specificgravity no less than that of water and no more than 270 percent greaterthan that of water, tensile strength properties no less than 6,000pounds per square inch, compressive strength properties no less than6,000 pounds per square inch, and a coefficient of friction of no morethan 0.5. The Core Projectile Module is capable of being fitted withInterchangeable Components (See FIGS. 2-10), or of being used as aprojectile in many of its basic unaltered forms. The design of the CoreProjectile Module may include varying mechanical designs to facilitate arange of mechanically adaptable options depending on the intended use ofthe projectile. The Core Projectile Module is specifically designed toembody chosen qualities and characteristics to propagate energyefficiently enough to induce ballistic shock waves through the targetmedium, causing the target medium to react violently to the ballisticpressure waves with or without the use of the InterchangeableComponents. The unique utilization of the described materials, variedmanufacturing and assembly methods, varied velocities, varied sizes, andvaried designs of Interchangeable Components enables the creation of awide variety of projectile design combinations. This novel feature willallow the manufacturer or end user to create a projectile thatefficiently and predictably penetrates and propagates energy intospecified target mediums. The manufacturer can alter a Core ProjectileModule by adding or omitting Interchangeable Components (see FIGS. 2-10)to achieve desired penetration and reactions between the projectile andthe intended non-animal target. Among other desirable outcomes, themanufacturer can create a projectile that prevents over penetration ofthe projectile through an intended target whether animal, vegetable orother materials, thus preventing it from striking unintended animals orthings that may be behind the intended target. The qualities of the CoreProjectile Module and Interchangeable Components, in their array ofconfigurations, enable the manufacturer or end user to create aprojectile that will efficiently fracture when striking a knownmaterial, which fracturing causes rapid propagation of pressure wavesinto the target, causing the materials to react violently to thepressure wave. The projectile pulverizes building materials commonlyused in constructing walls in buildings. This may cause significantdamage and flying debris within the room beyond the wall. This is adesirable condition in instances of covering fire and suppression fireused by law enforcement and military. It is also desirable that theprojectiles used in covering fire be of the type that reduces theincidents of over penetration. Current projectiles used in conventionalfirearms, in this kind of situation, present a significant risk of overpenetrating and striking an unintended subject or object beyond the wallstructure.

A third embodiment includes a Core Projectile Module of variedmechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with a specificgravity no less than that of water and no more than 270 percent greaterthan that of water, tensile strength properties no less than 6,000pounds per square inch, compressive strength properties no less than6,000 pounds per square inch, and a coefficient of friction no more than0.5. A Core Projectile Module manufactured from the specified materialswill have a bearing surface with a low friction coefficient enabling itto pass down the barrel of a rifle or gun more easily, which lowers heatand pressure within the barrel, enabling higher muzzle velocities andfaster external ballistic speed passing through the air, whilesimultaneously reducing recoil relative to the caliber and mass of theprojectile and the powder charge. By reducing the skin friction, thesematerial characteristics enable the projectile to achieve higher flightspeeds than previous art made from materials with a higher frictioncoefficient and an equal ballistic coefficient.

A fourth embodiment includes an Interchangeable Component (See FIGS.2-10) which may be made from numerous materials including but notlimited to copper, brass, aluminum, ceramics and polymers.Interchangeable Components may be designed to interchange with a varyingrange of calibers and designs of Core Projectile Modules of previouslydiscussed embodiments. The Interchangeable Component may allow themanufacturer or the end user to alter the size, mass, shape, and styleof the projectile for the purpose of customizing the internal, external,and/or terminal ballistics of the Mechanically Adaptable Projectileaccording to the materials or specified medium the projectile will bestriking. The Interchangeable Component may be added or omitted tofacilitate a predictable rate of fracturing, penetration and propagationof pressure waves upon impact with a specified medium, therebymaximizing the intensity of ballistic pressure waves. The optionalInterchangeable Component may alter the mechanical characteristics of aprojectile. Altering the rate of fracture may change the propagation ofballistic pressure waves and depth of penetration of the projectile intoa specified medium. The ability to alter the reactive characteristics ofthe projectile may enable the user to customize the rounds for a desiredeffect on a specified target medium.

In a fifth embodiment, the mechanical characteristics of the projectileare affected by the techniques used in manufacturing, such as utilizingspecified materials, pressures and heat to enable differentmanufacturing techniques. Each unique manufacturing method will be usedto predictably alter the mechanical characteristics of the variouscomponents comprising a Mechanically Adaptable Projectile, therebyaltering the characteristics of the pressure wave that is introducedinto the specified target upon impact of the projectile. The methodsinclude, but are not limited to, injection molding, blow molding,rotational molding, extrusion molding, lathe/mill machining, andstamping. The chosen method of manufacturing alters the performance ofthe projectile in a predictable and marketable manner. This enables amanufacturer to use the same material and change the marketablecharacteristics of the end product by altering the method ofmanufacturing and not changing the physical design or type of material.For example, a projectile of identical style, shape and size can havetwo distinct mechanically functional qualities if one is made through amachine lathe process and another is made by an injection moldingprocess. This manufacturer design flexibility allows adjustment of thenumber of mechanical characteristics for a projectile of identical size,style and shape.

A sixth embodiment a Core Projectile Module includes varied mechanicaldesigns and calibers that utilizes materials with a specific gravity noless than water and no more than 270 percent greater than that of water,tensile strength properties no less than 6,000 pounds per square inch,compressive strength properties no less than 6,000 pounds per squareinch, and a coefficient of friction of no more than 0.5. The uniqueutilization of the specified range and combination of materials, variedvelocities, varied sizes, varied mass and varied mechanical designs of aCore Projectile Module enables the manufacturer to create a projectilethat efficiently and predictably propagates ballistic pressure wavesinto specified targets. The rapid fracturing causes the energy from theprojectile to rapidly propagate into the animal being impacted by theprojectile. This reduces the depth of wound channels. There is a directconnection to the depth of the wound channel and the amount of traumaticvascular tearing. In other words, the present invention allows the enduser to choose components of a projectile so as to provide a desireddepth of projectile channel upon impact. Previous art relies on vascularinjuries and blood loss to increase their incapacitative capabilities.More vascular tearing requires more significant surgical repairs toprevent blood loss. This present invention allows the manufacturer tocreate a projectile that relies on ballistic pressure waves and remotecerebral effects from ballistic pressure waves that shock the systeminto incapacitation, rather than relying solely on vascular injuries andblood loss. By design this projectile will penetrate less and thereforecreate less vascular tearing associated with a wound channel, thusdecreasing the surgical complexity of repairing vascular injuriesrelated to a wound channel. This present invention, therefore, departsfrom the prior art by changing the mechanism of incapacitation fromvascular tearing and trauma, which causes massive bleeding, to relyingprimarily on ballistic shock waves that cause remote cerebral effects aswell as remote effects on the spine and internal organs of an animal.This phenomenon is commonly known as “hydrostatic shock.” Each of themechanisms of incapacitation has their lethal concerns, butincapacitation by hydrostatic shock may provide more minutes for medicalintervention, thereby increasing combat effectiveness while pushing backthe margin of lethality.

In a seventh embodiment, the Interchangeable Components can be assembledinto or onto, i.e., inserted into or “outserted” onto, a Core ProjectileModule using ultrasonic welding. This method of manufacturing is uniqueto the manufacturing of projectiles. No known prior art utilizes thisassembly process to alter the performance of a projectile. Ultrasonicwelding of Interchangeable Components to the Core Projectile Moduleenables press fitting of precision Interchangeable Components of varyingmaterials to the Core Projectile Module, forming a precision projectilesuch that the projectile will withstand the extreme pressures of gunbarrels, rifling, and flight through air, additionally affecting how thespecified components react with each other upon impact. The fittolerance of the Interchangeable Component to the Core Projectile Modulealters the mechanical characteristics of the entire projectile bypre-stressing or compressing the Core Projectile Module. As thetolerances change from interference fit to varying press fit tolerances,the interaction of individual components upon each other changes as themechanical interaction of each component is altered by the tightness ofthe fit tolerance. The mechanics of fracturing upon impact will changebased on the fit tolerances of the Interchangeable Component to the CoreProjectile Module. The ballistic pressure waves propagate through thetarget differently based on changes in the fracturing characteristics ofthe projectile when impacting a specified target. Also, the varied fittolerances will alter the reactive qualities of the projectile based onthe manner in which impact energy propagates through the projectile uponstriking a specified target medium. That in turn alters how the pressurewave propagates from the projectile into the target being impacted bythe projectile. This produces desirable and predictable qualities in aprojectile that are identifiable and marketable. The use of ultrasonicwelding is unusual in the bullet manufacturing industry and is novel andunique to the utility of this art.

In an eighth embodiment, the Interchangeable Component (see FIGS. 2-10)can be fitted inside of the Core Projectile Module, or on the outside ofthe Core Projectile Module. This enables the Mechanically AdaptableProjectile to be customized to withstand extreme barrel pressures,rifling friction, and extreme velocities as well as preloading stress onthe Core Projectile Module. The projectile may also be customized byaltering the internal, external and/or terminal structures to change theinternal, external, and/or terminal ballistics.

In a ninth embodiment, the interchangeable Component can be added oromitted to the Core Projectile Module to reduce the friction coefficientand mass. This will enable the manufacturing of low recoil cartridgesand safe rounds for indoor ranges and other target applications. It willalso optimize the projectile's ability to fly through the air for longrange shooting (see FIGS. 2-10). The ability to alter the internal,external, and/or terminal structure so as to alter the internal,external and/or terminal ballistics of the Core Projectile Moduleenables the manufacturer or the end user to customize the projectile toaccommodate different shooters or different launching mechanisms.

In a tenth embodiment, the Interchangeable Component can be added to oromitted from the Core Projectile Module (see FIGS. 3, and 9-10) to alterthe style of the tip, ogive, base, heal, meplat, or bearing surface ofthe projectile (see FIG. 3). The Interchangeable Components may include,but are not limited to, various metal tips, polymer tips, varied hollowpoint tips, boat tails, flat bases, varied bearing surfaces with varyingfriction coefficients, as well as many other alterations to the basicCore Projectile Module.

In an eleventh embodiment, the Interchangeable Component can be added tothe Core Projectile Module to change the length, shape, mass, flightcharacteristics, rifling twist requirements and specific density of theprojectile.

In a twelfth embodiment, the Interchangeable Component can be added tothe Core Projectile Module to optimize the projectile to match thebarrel twist of a firearm when the projectile is used in such a firearm.

In a thirteenth embodiment the adaptable qualities of a givenMechanically Adaptable Projectile can be changed after the cartridge isfully completed without removing the projectile from the casing.

The Core Projectile Module will now be described in detail. Prior artprojectiles (FIG. 1) may include a clad projectile which may have anexterior shape similar to the inventive projectile 10 (FIGS. 2-12). Onemay note that the inventive projectile 10 may include many similaritiesin outward appearance to a prior art projectile (FIG. 1). Accordingly,many components of inventive projectile 10 include components havingnomenclature similar to the prior art projectile shown in FIG. 1. Inparticular, prior art projectiles may include a tip 12, bearing surface14, head or ogive 16, meplat 18, heel 20, base 22, boat or tail 24,cannelure 26 and shoulder 28.

Referring to FIG. 2, inventive projectile 10 may include similarly namedsurfaces. The example shown in FIG. 2 is one of many amongst the manymechanical designs of projectile or missles 10 which may bemanufactured. Even though the external shape of the inventive projectile10 may look similar to the external shape of the prior art projectileshown in FIG. 1, in the Mechanically Adaptable Projectile components canbe adapted by the manufacturer or the end user to facilitate theadaptation of the internal, external, and/or terminal ballistics of theprojectile. In particular, the end user may opt not to alter the CoreProjectile Module as manufactured if it already meets the requirementsof the end user or the manufacturer. However, the end user ormanufacturer may insert an Interchangeable Component into the tip(hollow point) to alter the depth, mass, shape of the tip, or apply anInterchangeable Component to the exterior to alter the diameter frictioncoefficient of the bearing surface, and/or the length or aerodynamicshape of the projectile. These abilities also enable the manufacturer orthe end user to adapt the projectile to the optimal riffling twist andother stabilization features relative to the distance it will need totravel and the medium it will be striking. This enables the projectile'smechanical qualities to be adapted to the needs or intent of themanufacturer or end user, whether the projectile is being used bymilitary or law enforcement to provide covering fire, breaching a door,shooting an animal, target shooting (indoor or outdoor), or by otherswho may be teaching a new shooter by using reduced recoil rounds in aspecific gun until the new shooter learns how the gun functions, orother non military or law enforcement applications.

Prior art projectiles may include toxic materials as their corematerial, whereas the new Mechanically Adaptable Projectile utilizes anon toxic polymer that reduces complications of soil contamination andrisk to pregnant shooters. The low friction coefficient of the CoreProectile Module (FIGS. 2-12) will reduce barrel wear and enable highervelocities compared to old art with a similar balistic coefficient. TheCore Projectile Module example shown in FIG. 2 is one of many potentialmechanical designs. This example was lathe turned, but may bemanufactured by other means to include, but not limited to, injectionmolding, blow molding, rotational molding, extrusion molding, hydroforming, and stamping. The method of manufacturing depends on themechanical characteristics desired.

A Core Projectile Module impact analysis will now be described. When theCore Projectile Module strikes a medium with lower specific gravity thanwater, the depth of penetration is deeper than in mediums with aspecific gravity of water or greater. This is a predictable quality dueto the specifications of the material, manner it is manufactured,combination of mechanical qualities and internal, external and/orterminal ballistics. The adaptability of the inventive projectileenables the changing or adding of Interchangeable Components to the CoreProjectile Module by the end user or manufacturer for the purpose ofadapting the mechanical qualities, thus altering the propagation ofballistic pressure waves, such as by altering the Core Projectile Moduleby adding Interchangeable Components with varying specific gravities,friction coefficients and shapes.

For example, when viewing a hole in a material, such as a piece of wood,through which a projectile has traveled, the shape of the hole mayindicate that there is a slight projectile instability with the rifleused. The inventive projectile could be used with such a rifle andfitted with an Interchangeable Component that alters the overallspecific gravity of the projectile thereby causing stabilized rotationof the projectile fired from that particular rifle. In this manner, theuser of the particular rifle could adapt the projectiles fired from hisrifle to provide a more stable projectile travel path from the rifle.

In another example of use, a material, such as a piece of wood, may showsplitting on the backside of the board around the projectile path of theinventive projectile. The board may be split in a conical patternoutward from the centerline of the projectile path. At the center of thepressure pattern there may be more crushing of the wood material as thepressure wave propagates through the wood. The depth of the damage alongthe centerline of the projectile's path may be deeper and growsshallower as the pressure wave propagates outward from the centerline.This demonstrates how the building material violently reacted to theballistic pressure wave which results in crushing and fragmenting of thematerial from the inventive projectile. A typical projectile path of theinventive projectile through a medium will show a widening damage pathas the ballistic pressure wave propagates through the wood.

The Specific Gravity, Projectile Fracturing, and Ballistic Pressure WavePropagation properties will now be described.

When a ballistic pressure wave impacts an object with a specific gravitynearly equal to that of water, the crushed particles from the mediumwill ride on the pressure wave as it blows back toward the directionfrom which the projectile originated. In one test conducted on theinventive projectile, the remaining particles from a Core ProjectileModule that was fired into a wood medium were examined. The originalCore Projectile Module weighed 151 grains (0.345 ounces). The recoveredfragments from the Core Projectile Module weighed 11 grains (0.025ounces). Such an efficient fracturing and crushing of the CoreProjectile Module enables efficient propagation of ballistic pressurewaves through the medium.

In one embodiment including a Core Projectile Module with the additionof an Interchangeable Component, the Interchangeable Component isdesigned to delay the fragmentation of the Core Projectile Module,allowing the projectile to enter the medium more deeply beforefragmenting and propagating the ballistic pressure wave into the medium.The Interchangeable Component is altering the mass, tip, meplat, ogive,ballistic coefficient and overall length of the projectile. All of thesechanges combine to alter the mechanical characteristics, and internal,external and/or terminal ballistics of the projectile when it impactsvarying mediums. The end user or the manufacture is able to adapt theprojectile to optimize specific qualities depending on the use of theprojectile.

Additionally, in this particular embodiment, the components in thisparticular projectile are lathe turned from Delrin® 150E and 6061 T6aluminum. This provides for known ductility of the material components,thereby creating a predictable, marketable quality. Annealing one orboth of the components will alter the ductility of the components. Thiscan be done before assembling or as an assembled projectile. Changingthe ductility of one or both of the components provides a change infracturing characteristics, which in turn provides a predictableperformance change in the Mechanically Adaptable Projectile. Also, thepredictable performance of this exact configuration can be altered bychanging the method of manufacture, thereby increasing the applicationsof a single mechanical design by the number of alternate manufacturingmethods.

In an embodiment where the projectile is machine lathed instead ofutilizing injection molding and investment casting, the fit tolerancesof the Interchangeable Component (such as 6000 series T6 aluminum with asharp point and small meplat) can be altered from interference fit tovarying degrees of press fit. By increasing the tightness of the fit,the manufacturer can preload stress on the Core Projectile Module. Thiswill reduce the amount impact needed to cause the Core Projectile Moduleto fracture, thereby reducing the amount of velocity needed to cause thenecessary fracturing for efficient release of ballistic pressure wavesinto the target object. This in turn enables the use of the projectilein low recoil scenarios and low efficiency barrels. Thus, the inventiveprojectile enables the use of an identical mechanical design in agreater array of applications while maximizing efficiency. The use of anUltrasonic Welder will enable the manufacturer to maximize the limitsthe projectile can be pre-stressed for this application.

FIG. 2 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into theCore Projectile Module 32 reduces the size of the hollow point 34 and,depending on material changes mass and depending on fit tolerance, canbe used to preload stress on the projectile 10 to alter reactivequalities upon impact. It will also increase the size of the meplat 18without altering the length of the projectile. Inserting andinterchangeable component 30 into the tip of the Core Projectile Module32 changes the shape and/or size of tip 12, ogive 16 and meplat 18.

FIG. 3 shows a Core Projectile Module 32 having an interior cavity 36for receiving an interchangeable component 30, such as a hollow point 34(FIG. 2), whereas cavity 36 has a smaller diameter 40 than a cavity 38of component 32 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into the base22 of the Core Projectile Module 32. Changing the base 22, shoulder 28,length 42 (FIG. 1) and mass of projectile 10. Depending on the fittolerance, this insertion method of component 30 can preload stress on aportion of the projectile to alter its reactive qualities upon impact.

FIG. 5 shows insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 to alter thetip 12 so that it is pointed, thereby altering the size of the meplat 18and the ogive 16 of projectile 10. This Interchangeable Component 30 canbe made of a material that alters the mass of the projectile. It canalso have a fit tolerance that preloads stress by pressing outward onthe projectile; thereby changing the reactive qualities of theprojectile upon impact.

FIG. 6 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into theCore Projectile Module 32 reduces the size of the hollow point 34 and,depending on material, changes mass and depending on fit tolerance, canbe used to preload stress on the projectile 10 to alter reactivequalities upon impact. It will also increase the size of the meplat 18without altering the length of the projectile.

FIG. 7 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into theCore Projectile Module 32 may increase the size of the hollow point 34and, depending on material changes mass and fit tolerance, can be usedto preload stress on the projectile 10 to alter reactive qualities uponimpact. It will also increase the size of the meplat 18 without alteringthe length of the projectile.

FIG. 8 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 into theCore Projectile Module 32 may increase the size of the tip 12 whilereducing or eliminating the hollow point and, depending on material,changes mass and fit tolerance, can be used to preload stress on theprojectile 10 to alter reactive qualities upon impact. It will alsoincrease the size of the meplat 18 without altering the length of theprojectile.

FIG. 9 shows an Interchangeable Component 30 being fitted to the outsideof the Core Projectile Module 32. The Interchangeable Component 30 maybe sized to have an external diameter 44 greater than, equal to, or lessthan the external diameter 46 of the Core Projectile Module 32.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of an Interchangeable Component 30 beingfitted to the outside of the Core Projectile Module 32. TheInterchangeable Component 30 may be fitted to the Core Projectile Module32 by any means, such as press fit, adhesive, or welding, for example.

FIG. 11 shows an exterior side view of an Interchangeable Component 30fitted within a Core Projectile Module 32. The Core Projectile Module 32may be fired without an interchangeable component 30 being placedtherein. In such a case the component 32 is referred to as a hollowpoint projectile. In the embodiment shown, component 32 includes atapered base 22, a bearing surface 14, a tapered head ogive surface 16 aand a flat front surface 50 a positioned perpendicular to an elongateaxis 48 of the projectile. Accordingly, in cases where component 32 isfired without an interchangeable core 30 positioned therein, component32 will include a tapered ogive surface 16 at the front of theprojectile 10 during flight. In one embodiment, component 32 ismanufactured of a plastic material, such as Acetal, and interchangeablecomponent 30 is manufactured of metal, such as copper. Interchangeablecomponent 30 includes a tapered head ogive surface 16 b and a flat frontsurface 50 b positioned perpendicular to elongate axis 48 of theprojectile.

A variety of interchangeable components 30 may be placed withincomponent 32 by the end user at the site of discharge of projectile 10,such as at a shooting range, at a law enforcement live operations site,in a hunting setting, or any other location where the projectile 10 maybe discharged. Accordingly, the end user of the projectile may alter thecharacteristics of the projectile in real time, to suit their needs fora particular, live situation in which the end user, i.e., the shooter ofthe projectile, may find themselves.

FIG. 12 shows a side cross sectional view of projectile 10 of FIG. 11,wherein interchangeable component 30 includes a head ogive 16 b suchthat when component 30 is placed within component 32, the ogive surface16 a of component 32 and ogive surface 16 b of component 30 togetherform a continuous surface 16 that together define the same angle withrespect to an elongate axis 48 of the projectile 10. In other words,surface 16 a and 16 b together define ogive surface 16 of projectile 10,including both components 30 and 32.

Still referring to FIG. 12, in this embodiment component 32 includes acavity 36 having an inner diameter 40 that is larger than an outerdiameter 52 of an extension 54 of component 30 that extends into cavity36. In one particular embodiment, inner diameter 40 may be 0.28 inchesand outer diameter 52 may be 0.26 inches. Accordingly, extension 54 ofcomponent 30 is loosely received within cavity 36. During firing ofprojectile 10 in a forward direction 56, meplat surface 18 of component30 is supported on front surface 50 a of component 32 to retaincomponent 30 within component 32. During times of non-use, i.e., whenprojectile 10 is resting on a table for example, component 30 is easilymanually removed from component 32 by a user with their bare hands,without the need for use of specialized removal tools. If the projectileis tipped upside down for example, with front surface 50 b of component30 facing downward toward the ground, when component 32 is held steady,the force of gravity will pull component 30 from its loose-fittingposition within component 32. Accordingly, component 30 is held looselywithin cavity 36 of component 32. In this embodiment, the inner diameter40 of cavity, which is larger than the size of outer diameter 52 ofextension 54 of component 30, ensures that component 30 is notmechanically or frictionally fixedly retained within component 32.Instead, component 30 is retained within component 32 by the contact ofmeplat surface 18 of component 30 contacting front surface 50 a ofcomponent 32 during a force upon projectile in a direction opposite toforward direction 56, such as during firing of projectile 10 in forwarddirection 56, or when projectile 10 is sitting at rest with frontsurface 50 b of component 30 extending upwardly such that the force ofgravity retains surface 18 of component 30 on front surface 50 b ofcomponent 32. In other words, tipping projectile 10 upside down willresult in component 30 slipping from component 32 to separate the twocomponents. This loose fitting allows different components 30 to beinterchangeably placed with ease within component 32 by an end user.Accordingly, the projectile set of the present invention, including acomponent 32 and multiple interchangeable components 30, each includingdiffering characteristics (such as a different mass or shape to allowaltering of the penetration or fracturing of the projectile upon onimpact, for example), allows both the manufacturer and the end user tokeep a lower inventory of projectile parts on hand while still allowingfor multiple projectiles to be formed for sale or use. For example, amanufacturer may keep one standard component 32 in stock, along withmultiple different interchangeable components 30 in stock, therebyallowing the manufacturer to deliver multiple different types ofprojectiles to end users, without requiring the manufacturer to retainmultiple different completed projectiles on hand. This may reduce theinventory space needed by the manufacturer because the interchangeablecomponents 30 maybe much smaller in size than a fully formed projectile10. Similarly, an end user may purchase several components 32 andseveral different types of interchangeable components 30 which may allowthe end user to customize their projectile 10 on site, without requiringmany different types of projectiles to be stored or carrier by the enduser. In law enforcement live shooter applications, the inventiveprojectile may allow an officer to carry a standard component 32 andmultiple interchangeable components 30 on their person, such that thelaw enforcement officer may be able to customize a projectile duringlive situations. In one particular example, an officer confronted with alive shooter positioned within a duplex, will be able to customize aprojectile that when encountering sheet rock, the projectile willexplode the sheet rock without penetrating through the sheetrock, sothat innocent parties positioned on the other side of the sheet rockwall from the live shooter, such as in the other side of the duplex,will be unharmed and unaffected by actions taken to disable the liveshooter. Accordingly, the projectile of the present invention allowsofficers in the field, during live law enforcement actions, to makeinstantaneous decisions about the desired penetration depth andfracturing characteristics of projectiles they wish to use and to createsuch customized projectiles on site. Such ease of changing out acomponent, on site and in live shooting situations, has heretofore notbeen provided.

In another embodiment, which takes into account Newton's Cradle Effect,the projectile includes a threadabley attachable and detachableinterchangeable component (FIGS. 15 and 16) to facilitate adaptabilityin a “live shooter application” scenario described herein.

In contrast, the loose fitting interchangeable components may beutilized in scenarios where it is not desirable for the core projectilemodule and the interchangeable component to remain intact as a singleprojectile. In one loose fitting embodiment the projectile utilizesspherical interchangeable components that are loosely fitted. Due toNewton's Cradle Effect the spherical interchangeable components separatefrom the core projectile module during flight and fly directly in frontof the Core Projectile Module and will strike an intermediate obstacle,such as glass, just before the Core Projectile Module. The loose fittingInterchangeable Components will shatter the glass directly in front ofthe Core Projectile Module. This will allow the Core Projectile Moduleto pass through the intermediate obstacle (glass) and strike a targetbehind the glass. During testing, it has been observed that when thisembodiment of the Core Projectile Module strikes the target, it willfunction as if there is no Interchangeable Component. In one embodimentthe loose fitting Interchangeable Components may be affixed to the CoreProjectile Module during manufacturing assembly of the cartridge, andnot in the field. In this embodiment the assembly technique holds theloose fitting Interchangeable Components in place during transport andloading. In particular, a clear plastic disc is fitted just over the topof the Core Projectile Module and under the roll crimp of the shellhull. Porcelain may be the best material for this application. Steel hasalso been utilized.

The projectiles that are adaptable in the field during live police andmilitary events may use threadabley attachable/detachableInterchangeable Components. Some of the threaded interchangeablecomponents do not require tools for insertion (FIG. 16). Socket headsmay be used on components when it is desirable to include a hollow pointon the projectile (FIG. 16). The hex key socket shown may double as ahollow point and a feature for engaging a tool (FIG. 16). Someinsertable components have tapered ends allowing digital grasping forthreadable manipulation of the Interchangeable Component (FIG. 16).

In one embodiment, projectile component 32 of the present invention maybe manufactured of a synthetic material, such as Quadrant EPP Acetron®POM-H Homopolymer Acetal. This polymer has a specific gravity of 1.41g/cc, water absorption of 0.20%, water absorption at saturation of0.90%, hardness of 89 (Rockwell M), hardness of 122 (Rockwell R),tensile strength of 11,000 psi, tensile strength at 65 Degrees of 7,200psi, elongation at break of 30%, tensile modulus of 450 ksi, flexuralstrength of 13,000 psi, flexural modulus of 450 ksi, compressivestrength of 16,000 psi, compressive modular of 450 ksi, shear strengthof 9,000 psi, izod impact, notched of 1.00 ft-lb/in, coefficient offriction, dynamic of 0.25, K (wear) factor of 200×10exp(−10)inchexp(3)/ft-lb-hr, and limiting pressure velocity of 2,700 psi-ft/min,surface resistivity of 1.00exp(13) ohm, dielectric constant of 3.7 atfrequency of 1 exp(6) Hz, dielectric strength of 450 kV/in, and adissipation factor of 0.0050 at frequency of 1 exp(6) Hz. Theseproperties of the polymer result in no or very limited turbulence at theback end of the projectile during flight, substantially increasing thespeed of inventive projectile 10 during flight. In sample tests of a 12gauge inventive projectile 10, the projectile was recorded during flightat speeds of over 4,000 feet per second, where as prior art projectilestypically have a maximum speed of 1,200 to 1500 feet per second. Theincreased speed of inventive projectile 10 is believed to be due to thedecreased weight of component 32 manufactured of polymer compared toprior art shells manufactured of metal, and due to the very low airresistance created by inventive projectile 10 due to component 32 beingmanufactured of polymer materials. In other words, the outer surface 58of projectile 10 has an extremely smooth low skin friction, compared tothe outer surface of prior art metal projectiles, thereby resulting inthe extremely fast speeds of projectile 10.

In one embodiment, one of interchangeable components 30 may bemanufactured of yellow brass, C27450, having a chemical composition of60.0 to 65.0 Cu, 0.35 Fe, 0.25 Pb, and the remainder being Zn, with anominal range of Cu being 62.5 and Zn being 37.5. In another embodiment,one of interchangeable components 30 may be manufactured of Phosphorusdeoxidized tellurium bearing Copper, UNS C14500, OS015 Temper. Use ofthe yellow brass or Copper alloy will provide an interchangeablecomponent 30 have the mass and other properties that may be desirable toachieve particular ballistics characteristics.

FIGS. 13-15 show another embodiment of a mechanically adaptableprojectile component manufactured of Acetron POM-H Homopolymer Acetel,with an unfilled central cavity.

FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a component 32.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the component of FIG. 13 wherein component32, in this embodiment, defines a length 60 of 1.0 inches, a base 22width 62 of 0.5 inches, boat tail 24 width 64 of 0.115 inches (measuredperpendicular to elongate axis 48), a boat tail 24 length 66 of 0.15inches (measured parallel to elongate axis 48), a bearing surface 14length of 68 of 0.5 inches, a head ogive 16 length 70 of 0.350 inches(measured parallel to axis 48), a head ogive 16 width 72 of 0.225 inches(measured perpendicular to axis 48), and a diameter 40 of cavity 36 of0.280 inches.

FIG. 15 shows an end view of component 32 having a diameter 74 of 0.730inches, and an end mill 76 of ¾ inches, 0.250-2UNC-2A, ⅝ inches. Theseare the specifications of threads 94 on the interior of threaded bore,or cavity 36, of FIGS. 14 and 15 (only a few threads 94 are shown on theinterior of module 32 in the side view in FIG. 14 for ease ofillustration). Threads 96 (only a few threads 96 are shown on theexterior of insert 30 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 for ease of illustration)on threaded exterior surface 98 of insert 30 can be threadabley attachedand detached from the threads 94 of bore 36 of the Core ProjectileModule 32, shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Mating threads 94 and 96 secure theinsert 30 to the projectile body 32. This is the preferred embodimentfor adapting the projectiles in the field during live police action,such as described above in the section detailing where a live shootermay be hiding in one side of a duplex, with innocent bystanderspositioned in the other side of the duplex.

FIGS. 16-17 show another embodiment of a mechanically adaptableprojectile component.

FIG. 16 is a side view of an interchangeable component 30 manufacturedof phosphorus deoxidized tellurium copper. Component 30 has a length 80of 0.75 inches, a nose 12 length 82 of 0.125 inches (measured parallelto axis 48), a nose 12 width 84 of 0.050 inches, a nose 12 tip width 86of 0.150 inches, and a diameter 88 of 0.250 inches. Nose tip 12facilitates ease of assembly in the field. The taper of the nose portion12 is intended to make it easier to start the threadabley attachableInterchangeable Component 30 into cavity 36 of component 32 in asituation where a user would want a hollow point projectile. If theinsert 30 is reversed, and the socket end portion of component 30 isfirst placed into cavity 36 of component 32, the user may utilize thetapered nose feature 12 to grasp for threadable attachment without atool. The taperd nose section 12 can become a portion of the ogive orscrewed in so it becomes a feature of the hollow point. This gives thissingle Interchangeable Component 30 at least three variations of use.

FIG. 17 is an isometric back view of component 30 of FIG. 16 including acavity 90 having a width 92 of 0.250 inches, so as to define a 5/32inches Allen key socket. In this embodiment, component 30 is positionedin a cavity in the rearward surface of a component 32 by use of an Allenkey wrench. The Allen socket cavity may be utilized as a mechanism formanipulating the part with an Allen key and as a smaller hollow pointcavity projectile 10.

Water has a specific gravity of 1 and we have learned that creatingprojectiles and interchangeable components from materials with knownmechanical properties including their specific gravity enables us topredict how the projectiles will interact with water. We are using wateras the preferred medium because the properties of water are nottypically susceptible to human error, or organic variability uponcreation. With water as the primary “known” we are able to predict how amaterial will react when hitting a water based medium. This provides anexperimental starting point wherein we evaluate how the addition ofother variables will alter how a projectile of a known specific gravitywill react to water. For example, using a Core Projectile Module withknown specific gravity (SG) and other mechanical properties and observehow the projectile interacts with water. When this reaction becomesknown then the Core Projectile Module becomes the universal component onwhich Mechanically Adaptable Projectile can be created.

Then we establish a linear model wherein we juxtapose a specificprojectile performance along the linear scale to predict how thatprojectile will react when striking other mediums wherein the reactionis known as it relates to water. The linear scale would place water atthe center of the scale with an SG of 1 and list potential mediums alongthe scale in both ascending and descending order according to theirknown SG. A scale could potentially place the SG of air on the lowestend of descending knowns and steel on the highest end of the ascendingknowns.

There is a large body of study involving the use of water as a basemedium for examining ballistics. Courtney et al have done many studieswherein they examine ballistic pressure waves in water. Courtney et alhave taken what they learned and have examined other experiments inlight of what they have learned from their studies and they have beenable to answer questions about ballistic science that were previouslyunsettled science. They have intensely studied an entire body ofballistic science involving remote wounding. They have settled numerousbeliefs and resolved questions of predecessors in the science. We haveused their work and the work of their predecessors and partners toprovide a basis of knowledge that has enabled us to develop thescientific principles espoused in the Mechanically Adaptable Projectilescience, described herein.

The bodies of various animals are largely water based. The SG ofbuilding materials have a range of density (SG) that is greater thanwater (1.0) and also less than water. This is the basis from whichmechanically adaptable projectile components are created. This is thebasis of knowledge through which component interchangeability andinteractivity is determined.

Through scientific study, a specific core projectile module of aspecific design can be used to impact water. Through observation, thereactivity of the component is known and then a pattern of predictablereactivity is discovered by observing the difference in reaction whenimpacting the same core projectile module to other known mediums. Thenthat known reactivity is further examined by adding an interchangeablecomponent to the known core projectile module and observing how theinterchangeable component alters the previously known reactivity of thecore projectile module. In the above process water becomes the centraland preferred known upon which predictable reactivity is built.

In the above description numerous details have been set forth in orderto provide a more through understanding of the present invention. Itwill be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced using other equivalent designs.

I claim:
 1. A projectile, comprising: a projectile body, said bodyincluding an aperture adapted to receive therein one of multipleprojectile components; and a projectile component positioned within saidaperture of said projectile body.
 2. The projectile of claim 1 whereinsaid projectile component is chosen to have a specific gravity thatmatches a specific gravity of a medium into which the projectile will befired.
 3. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile component ischosen to have a specific gravity that will maximize a ballisticpressure wave created by said projectile upon impact with a medium intowhich the projectile will be fired.
 4. The projectile of claim 1 whereinsaid projectile body has a specific gravity at least equal to a specificgravity of water and less than 270% greater than a specific gravity ofwater.
 5. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body has atensile strength of at least 6,000 pounds per square inch.
 6. Theprojectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body has a compressivestrength of at least 6,000 pounds per square inch.
 7. The projectile ofclaim 1 wherein said projectile body has a coefficient of friction of nomore than 0.5.
 8. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile bodyincludes an exterior bearing surface and a base region and wherein saidprojectile component includes a tip and defines a meplat.
 9. Theprojectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body includes a tip anddefines a meplat and wherein said projectile component includes a baseregion.
 10. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile componentincludes a hollow interior region.
 11. The projectile of claim 1 whereinsaid projectile component and said projectile body are secured togetherby mating threads.
 12. A mechanically adaptable projectile set,comprising: a projectile body, said body including an aperture adaptedto receive therein one of multiple projectile components; multipleprojectile components each sized to be releasably received within saidaperture of said projectile body, each of said multiple projectilecomponents structurally dissimilar from all others of said multipleprojectile components.
 13. The projectile set of claim 12 wherein saidmultiple projectile components include a first projectile componentincluding a solid elongate body having a projectile tip, a secondprojectile component including a hollow elongate body having aprojectile tip, and a third projectile component including an elongatebody having a projectile base.
 14. The projectile set of claim 12wherein said first, second a third projectile components each have aunique specific gravity.
 15. The projectile set of claim 12 wherein eachof said multiple projectile components may be positioned within andremoved from said projectile body aperture prior to filing of saidprojectile body from a projectile launcher.
 16. The projectile set ofclaim 12 claim 1 wherein said body has a specific gravity at least equalto a specific gravity of water and less than 270% greater than aspecific gravity of water, wherein said body has a tensile strength ofat least 6,000 pounds per square inch, wherein said body has acompressive strength of at least 6,000 pounds per square inch, andwherein said body has a coefficient of friction of no more than 0.5. 17.A mechanically adaptable projectile set, comprising: a projectile body,said body including structure adapted to secure thereto one of multipleprojectile components; multiple projectile components each sized to bereleasably secured to said projectile body, each of said multipleprojectile components structurally dissimilar from all others of saidmultiple projectile components.
 18. The projectile set of claim 17wherein said multiple projectile components include a first projectilecomponent including a solid elongate body having a projectile tip, asecond projectile component including a hollow elongate body having aprojectile tip, a third projectile component including an elongate bodyhaving a tip region and an external diameter equal to an externaldiameter of said projectile body, and a fourth projectile componentincluding an elongate body having an external diameter larger than anexternal diameter of said projectile body.
 19. The projectile set ofclaim 17 wherein one of said projectile components is secured to saidprojectile body by ultrasonic welding.
 20. The projectile set of claim17 wherein one of said projectile components includes at least one of ametal tip, a polymer tip, a hollow point tip, a boat tail, a flat base,and a bearing surface.